Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

12 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How may a center two-way left turn lane be used?

   Correct answer: Only for left turns, entered just before you turn

   A two-way left turn lane is for making left turns only; traveling in it is illegal, so enter it just before you turn.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Pavement Markings (Two-way special left turn lane), p. 23

2. 2. A traffic light is completely dark from a power outage. How should you treat the intersection?

   Correct answer: As though stop signs face every direction

   When a signal is dark, treat the intersection as an all-way stop, stopping as though stop signs face every direction.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Traffic Signals, p. 15

3. 3. What does a double solid white line between lanes tell you?

   Correct answer: Changing lanes across it is prohibited

   Double solid white lines mean stay in your lane; crossing them to change lanes is not allowed.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Pavement Markings (White), p. 24

4. 4. You have a steady green light and want to turn left. What must you do first?

   Correct answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning

   On a circular green, a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before completing the turn.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Traffic Signals (Steady Circular Green), p. 16

5. 5. How should a flashing red signal be treated?

   Correct answer: The same as a stop sign

   A flashing red is handled just like a stop sign; come to a complete stop before proceeding.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Traffic Signals (Flashing Red or Dark Signal), p. 15

6. 6. A steady yellow light means what to an approaching driver?

   Correct answer: Red is about to appear, so stop if you can do so safely

   A steady yellow warns that red is coming; stop before the intersection unless you cannot do so safely.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Traffic Signals (Steady Circular Yellow), p. 15

7. 7. A broken yellow center line on a two-way road indicates what about passing?

   Correct answer: Passing is allowed in both directions when safe

   A broken yellow center line marks a two-way road where passing is permitted for both directions of travel when safe.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Pavement Markings (Yellow), p. 22

8. 8. A flashing yellow arrow tells you that you may do what?

   Correct answer: Make the arrow's movement after yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic

   A flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated movement, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Traffic Signals (Flashing Yellow Arrow), p. 16

9. 9. After stopping at a steady red light, which turn is generally allowed unless a sign forbids it?

   Correct answer: A right turn onto a two-way road

   At a steady red you may turn right onto a two-way road after a full stop, unless a sign or officer states otherwise.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Traffic Signals (Steady Circular Red), p. 15

10. 10. You are next to a combined center line with a solid yellow line on your side and a broken line on the other. What does this mean for you?

    Correct answer: You are not allowed to pass

    A solid yellow line on your side of a combined center line means you may not pass; the broken line lets the other direction pass.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Pavement Markings (Yellow), p. 22

11. 11. What do double solid yellow lines between opposing lanes mean?

    Correct answer: Passing is prohibited for traffic in both directions

    Double solid yellow lines forbid passing in either direction, though you may cross them to turn left after oncoming traffic clears.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Pavement Markings (Yellow), p. 22

12. 12. A lane painted solid red is reserved for what?

    Correct answer: Transit vehicles such as buses, not passenger cars

    A solid red lane is a Transit Only lane for vehicles like buses, light rail, or bikes, not for ordinary cars.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Pavement Markings (Red markings), p. 25